To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when public consultations will be held on the National Grid’s proposed gas pipeline through the Cotswolds; what assessment he has made of (a) alternative routes, (b) the depth necessary for the pipeline and (c) the possible impact of the pipeline on the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and which bodies will be consulted. (113848)

National Grid has not submitted an application to install a gas pipeline through the Cotswolds. If it does then details of alternative routes, depth, size, and quality of landscape traversed, etc. will have to be submitted. The local Planning Authorities, Natural England and other interested parties will be consulted on any such proposal before any decision is taken.